Noor Fatima, MSc Marketing student, guides you through the journey from becoming an offer holder to an enrolled student at LSE and shares valuable tips and knowledge bases.

The moment you receive your university acceptance letter, it’s like a weight is lifted off your shoulders. The initial excitement is intoxicating, a sweet relief from the weeks, if not months, of hard work and anticipation. But as it subsides and the reality of the next steps sets in, it’s easy to find yourself overwhelmed.

Don’t panic yet; I’m here to help you figure it all out. Drawing on my journey, here are five crucial steps you need to know:

1. The Offer

First things first, let’s talk about your offer. If it’s unconditional, congratulations! You can skip ahead to the next step. If you’ve received a conditional offer, I can’t stress enough the importance of submitting your supporting documents promptly. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about setting your whole plan in motion. The documents are crucial for cementing your place at LSE and for obtaining your confirmation of application of studies (CAS), your golden ticket to a student visa.

Most importantly, this will help you avoid unnecessary anxiety or stress. Trust me, timeliness will be your best friend. Speaking from experience, enduring a three-month processing time was not easy, and it’s a scenario best avoided. However, if you can’t submit your documents on time and processing is delayed, don’t despair. You can still have live chats, Zoom meetings, or email our Graduate Admissions team to help expedite your process in most cases.

2. The Race to the Room

Securing accommodation at LSE—or any university, for that matter—can feel like a daunting process. It’s a high-stakes game, and the early bird always gets the worm (room). If you don’t secure your room immediately, worry not, because all is not lost.

You can sign up for an accommodation mailing list, which would notify you immediately if there are any vacancies available, and accommodations like Urbanest have waitlists as well. In addition, some accommodations also have mid-year vacancies available, which can be convenient if you want to switch later in the term.

However, if you are unwilling to leave it all up to fate, platforms like SpareRoom, Zoopla, Studentpad, Rightmove, and many more are also available for you to choose from.

3. Funding your dreams

Securing financial aid can be pivotal for most students. LSE offers a diverse range of scholarships, including the Graduate Support Scheme (GSS). The GSS provides £5,000 to £15,000 based on a student’s financial needs. Most taught master’s applicants are eligible for GSS, and the application deadline often falls in late April. Speaking from experience, I strongly recommend including a supplemental essay when applying to GSS to increase your chances of qualifying for additional scholarships. If I haven’t stressed enough about it earlier, punctuality is key; delaying your application can jeopardise your chances.

4. The Essentials

Amid the flurry of forms and deadlines, it’s easy to overlook your well-being. Staying hydrated, getting proper rest, and focusing on your mental health are not mere luxuries but essentials. When you feel good, it will become significantly easier to focus on all these tasks.

5. Guiding Lights

Lastly, Remember that you’re not alone in this journey. LSE boasts a wonderful set of student ambassadors, eager to guide you through the process. They’ve all been in your shoes once. So, reach out, ask questions, and let them help you navigate. Visit LSE’s dedicated Student Ambassadors webpage to find out more.

Bonus tip – look out for communications from LSE

Similarly, among the myriad of resources available, you will receive emails from a variety of LSE teams which stand out as invaluable tools – whichever stage of your journey you are. They cover a range of topics, from addressing issues you might be facing to practical advice on making the most of your time in London. Whether it’s recommendations on places to explore, guidance on visa applications, or details about on-campus activities, these communications are designed to ease your transition into student life.

In essence, these communications and resources are a lifeline, connecting you with a wealth of information and support even before you set foot on campus. So, make sure to keep an eye out for these. Embarking on this journey is no small feat, but with strategy, persistence, and some self-care, success is within your reach. All the best!

You can follow and connect with Noor on LinkedIn.

Learn more about the MSc Marketing programme.